Reaction to Illinois governor's pension site varies

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(M. Spencer Green STF)

FILE - In this file photo taken Aug. 26, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn speaks at a news conference. After keeping a low public profile leading up to the 2012 November election, Quinn now faces one of the most critical times of his tenure where his every move will be scrutinized by Republicans who have said the 2014 governor's race is their top priority after devastating losses to the party last week.(AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

After months of promising details, Quinn launched a website over the weekend that gives a brief history on pensions and summaries of the problem. The sometimes campy site also includes a cartoon snake named "Squeezy the Pension Python."

A leading union called the website "silly." A lawmaker who's worked on pensions says it should be more serious.

But other lawmakers and social media experts say it's innovative and could work in Quinn's favor.

Brookings Institution political scientist Darrell West says the tactic could attract new interest, but Quinn needs to act fast to capitalize on it.